July 28, 2008 Santiago, Chili  The FCF continues to support the efforts of Fauna Andina.  A $2,000 Conservation grant was awarded at the 2008 annual convention to Fauna Andina, followed by another $1,400 donated from FCF members to insure “a protection net for guiña".  (Leopardus guigna).

After many years of a total careless attitude, Chile is getting involved in protection of one of the most unknown felines of the new World, the guiña, the smallest wild cat of America.

Fauna Andina together with the Chilean government wildlife service, Servico Agricola Y Ganadero (S.A.G) is attending every animal with problems. Every individual found that cannot be rehabilitated is designated to the breeding center of Fauna Andina.

The goal is simple . . .to save all the genetics available in such a way that the breeding program has the greatest chance of being successful. This feline specie has never been breed in captivity and Fauna Andina is the only center working on doing so. All the attempts by others in the past have failed.

Center founder Fernando Vidal says, "We consider the commitment of the authorities on the conservation of the specie a triumph. But without the $3,400 donation of funds from the FCF, part of the project would fail, since building the enclosures is a costly task, something that every member of FCF knows deeply."

The center has five felines now, three males, and two females.

The center is moving to a larger property in the next 5 months, located in guiñas country. It is surrounded by native forest, with a river in between, and there is a hill where some guiñas could still exist. This new location offers plenty of peace for breeding native animals. And  it will also be a future place for releasing some animals.